On My 2024 Travel List
Honestly, you just never know where life will take you.
After a pretty long hiatus in which I was afraid to travel (hello anxiety my old friend), I’ve recently been hit with a pretty strong case of wanderlust. Combine that with my love for hospitality writing, delicious foods, and a gorgeous hotel lobby, and I’m about ready to board a plane every other weekend. Below are the places and spaces I hope to see in 2024 (and beyond).
New Orleans
The minute I decided I wanted to start traveling, eating, and documenting my adventures, New Orleans became the number one city on my list. What better place to explore savory dishes, spicy flavors, and surprising sweets? Originally my impulsive nature wanted to book a quick weekend trip immediately, but I’ve decided to hold off on the trip for another month or two. This is a place that deserves some time and planning. Yet, I’m having some hotel debate.
The decadently peaceful Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans is strongly calling my name, but the gorgeous and primely located Eliza Jane Hotel has come highly recommended from a close friend. Then, there’s the trendy and whimsical Virgin Hotels New Orleans. Thanks to an upcoming project, I’ve been very intrigued by Virgin Hotels, and am interested to check out the experience staying at their new properties. Regardless of where I chose, I know the food will be divine. Ah! New Orleans, I will be seeing you soon.
Costa Rica
I can already hear the soft melody of rain falling as I type. In truth, I’m never not trying to go back to Costa Rica. It’s one of my favorite places on Earth, and home to one of my favorite resorts.
I’ve stayed at The Westin Reserva Conchal a few times throughout it’s name changes. The first time being when I was a child on a vacation with my mom and sister. Maybe that’s why I have such a fondness for that resort. It holds really peaceful memories. Costa Rica is an island of wondrous rain forests and wildlife, and I find myself in such a childlike state of awe and happiness when I’m there. It’s been too long of awhile since I’ve been back, and I would be so grateful for the opportunity to find my way back there this year. And to see the cotis! Those cuties.
Chicago
I’m not sure I’ll make it out this year for a summer Chicago experience, but I wouldn’t mind visiting later in the year for a fall weekend of food and frivolity. A stop at Alinea is a must (and Next as well, if I can snag reservations at both), but as Chicago is known for being a food city I’m happy to just go and explore. Sure, it’s nice to go places with an itinerary, but I also know the best eggs Benedict I’ve ever had came from aimlessly wondering the San Diego beachside and popping into some random diner. {Sidenote, each time I’ve gone back to San Diego I can never find that spot. Was it a dream? Or just one of those random perfect meals you spend your life chasing?}
Dallas
Dallas is my hometown, and I’m embarrassed to say I haven’t been home in nearly a decade. I’ve been replaying my Texas playlist nonstop (heavy on BigXthaPlug), and waves of nostalgia keep pulling me toward a trip back to my childhood stomping grounds. As I mentioned, I’ve been very curious about experiencing Virgin Hotel properties. They do have a Virgin Hotel in Dallas, and I’m itching to book. Also, I need a Rudy’s Chicken fix. Badly.
Grand Cayman
My family has a sweet spot for tropical vacations. Typically, we try to make it to an island yearly as our way of family bonding and relaxing, but we actually haven’t all been together on a trip in quite some time. My mother has been nudging us about the Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa as a possible location for the next family trip, and I have to say I’m on her side. I hadn’t realized how much I miss our trips until we had a long break from them. I guess time apart really does make the heart grow fonder? Well, with family as least…
And Always …
Las Vegas
So far this year each time I’ve come back from Las Vegas I’ve immediately booked another trip. For research purposes, of course! In fact, I’m headed back there soon with plans to explore a new property for an upcoming project. Share, soon.
In the meantime there are so many restaurants and hotel stays I’m eyeing to book. The marketing team at Durango Casino & Resort is doing exactly what they need to do, because their efforts have me curious about this new property. So much so, I think they may be my next stay. The social for Bel-Aire Backyard has been especially good. In addition, I’ve already spent some time at Fontainebleau’s casino and restaurants, but I would love to book a stay for the full service experience.
The allure of Circa Las Vegas is still going strong, and it’s enticing me to stay downtown more frequently. Plus, the Plaza just launched an all-inclusive package deal which I can strongly see becoming a normal package offering at DTLV hotels. Plaza marketing has always been eye-catching, but it seems like the property is really putting a lot of elbow grease into (what I believe) is competing with Circa’s popularity. Not sure if I’ll make it in time for their all-inclusive deal, but as a former DTLV resident I do want to experience the changes Plaza firsthand.
